Monday, April 15, 2013

Les plages de Saint Barthélemy....

Salty Mr. Splendid was invited to sail in a regatta, Les Voiles de Saint Barth...so my little one and I decided to tag along.

While he's been circling around the exterior beauty of this 12 mile long rock,

we've been bombing along the narrow winding roads, in our golden~olive colored open air jeep, exploring the beaches and beauty within this French West Indies island.

There is a beach for everyone here. Contributing to the charm of each of the beautiful beaches are the handpainted tile signs that identify them. Gouverneur is a lovely natural, pristine beach, free of any restaurants or bars.

The soft white sands and the water here is even more glorious than this painting promises. Here, it is not unusual to spot wildlife, like these local wild goat kids we saw running along the rocky outcrops just above where we were sitting.

In an effort to keep them clean, these tin can ashtrays are at the entrances of the beaches. They seem to be quite effective, because the beaches are very clean.

At the other end of the spectrum is the popular and protected bay of St. Jean, which is lined with lively beach clubs and cottages.

Emily, My brother married a girl whose parents were both born and raised on St Barts.

We were all there nearly 15 years ago for their beautiful wedding! She and I were just talking about the "wild goats" as I did not remember seeing them. She said that initially the owner puts their goats in pens. If/when they get out... they are "wild". :-)

Crazy, casual island life!

Warning: the day you stand on the tarmac to board that tiny plane you will promise to come back soon. I cried - and have yet to return - nutz!